Far North

Our Christmas staff night out in December sadly never happened. It was cancelled (after the food had been cooked) because of blizzards. Joy had bravely driven up from her work in Lerwick. Never mind, the good people of Uyeasound had a slap up feed, while we had cheese and wine & an early night.
At least no hangover the next day.

Ruthodanort's right. Like many others I went down to the deep south for Christmas - the south mainland of Shetland that is.

Herman-ness came up from Orkney for Xmas and a great time was had by us. Because we'd not had the staff 'do' Joy and I decided to wear what we would've worn to that - I'd actually bought a new shirt & trousers. (Those who know me know that I can be sartorially challenged). Come time for dinner & when Joy came through Herman-ness & I could only say "Wow!!" She looked stunning! Easily outshone the Christmas lights. Dinner was great of course. But Herman-ness, being a Yorkshireman had insisted on mushy peas with his dinner. He had a bowl all to himself. He had more the next day - cold, in a sandwich. I bet his duvet was floating on a layer of methane.

I was delighted to got a bodhran from Joy & played it throughout the holidays - though it didn't quite go with the Christmas carols Joy was playing on her piano.

The weather was beautiful and still over Christmas. On Boxing Day we went for a walk along Levenwick Beach and then we up to the top of Scousburgh Hill. From there you can see from Fair Isle, to Foula and all the way out the west mainland, even as far north as Ronas Hill. That evening, I was sitting outside, on the verandah, eating trifle! That's how still it was. While others in the south of England were complaining of snow.

We also made a conscious decision NOT to watch loads of TV. In fact all we saw was the Queen's Speech. (How patriotic - though staunch republican Herman-ness kept up an alternative commentary). On the Tuesday after Christmas, Herman-ness went to Unst to visit Ruthodanort for a coupla days. He got us up out of bed when he came back though - mind you it was 12 noon.!! The whole Christmas was very laid back, very stress-free - as it should ideally be. The best one I've had for a long time.